By Muhammad Abubakar
SOKOTO — The Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) has held its first-ever strategic retreat for the institution’s Governing Council and Management staff, aimed at enhancing governance, innovation, and institutional development.
The retreat, which took place from July 13 to 16, 2025, at the Army Officers’ Mess and Suites in Sokoto, was convened on the sidelines of the 30th Governing Council meeting chaired by the Pro-Chancellor, Col. Abdulmumini Aminu (Rtd.).
A statement issued by the Head of Information and Public Relations of the University, Jamilu M. Magaji, noted that the retreat served as a platform for reflection, planning, and strategic alignment between Council members and University Management.
Col. Aminu, in his opening remarks, stressed the importance of synergy between leadership organs of the university in achieving long-term success. Vice Chancellor Prof. Muhammad Zaiyan Umar described the retreat as timely and vital for institutional sustainability and improved service delivery.
The retreat featured four insightful paper presentations. Among them was a security-focused presentation by Mr. Lawal Yusuf Yashi of the Department of State Services (DSS), who called for proactive intelligence and collaboration to address evolving threats in tertiary institutions.
Prof. Yahaya Tanko Baba of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, spoke on the role of governing councils in university governance, while Prof. Maryam Abubakar Koko presented strategies for sustainable revenue generation through innovation and partnerships.
The final paper, delivered by Mal. Ahmad Shehu, Registrar of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, explored strengthening university-community ties through “Town and Gown” partnerships.
Participants concluded the retreat with a renewed commitment to improving institutional performance, fostering innovation, and building collaborative relationships to enhance FUBK’s academic and societal impact.